[i]Don't know what a Synth is? Open the spoiler to find out and join the debate![/i] [spoiler]A Synth can be described as a humanoid robot and can range from simple, autonomous robots that just follow orders (think of foot soldiers or servants) to Coursers, Synths that are capable of learning, critical thinking and something close to free will. There are also a model of Synths that are capable of free will. For instance, some synths escape the facility they are made in and go on to live outside the institute. Others stay in there for their whole "lives". If I had to make a direct reference to pop culture, some synths are like Blenders, simply made to follow orders and do so without a second thought, others are like the original Terminators or C-3PO, capable of thought, learning and free will.[/spoiler] Now that we are all caught up, let's see both sides of the argument. [b][u]Synths are people[/u][/b] Synths, although made in a lab, obviously display human like qualities. Some even can be described as feeling a sensation similar to pain. Some are capable of thought and free will, as demonstrated by Gabriel, the Synth you have to track down after meeting Father in the institute. Gabriel obviously didn't want to be there and that took conscious thought to make a decision like that. One can only describe this as free will. In addition, Coursers are perfect examples that Synths are humans without flesh and blood. They can learn, critically think, and make decisions based on their perception of free will. They can even be trained, a quality a living person cultivates, not a robot. So it goes without saying that Synths are people and should choose to stay or go. [b][u]Synths are robots[/u][/b] Synths are not Humans. They aren't flesh and blood, they have little sense of actual morality (as depicted by Gabriel). Synths are different from most human rights arguments because they are [i]made in a lab[/i]. They weren't born, they don't have mothers, they're robots. And as such, they are property of whoever made them. The argument that some have "free will" is kind of ridiculous in that you need things like a brain, emotions or even a soul to have free will. Not to mention, most synths outside the Institute are inherently violent, especially since they are physically superior to humans. They are a danger. [b][u]My opinion in short[/u][/b] Gen 3 Synths (the ones that can critically think for themselves and feel emotion), should be subject to basic human rights, whatever they may be in the Commonwealth. As long as they aren't a danger, the Institute should let any Synths the escape or desire to leave go. It is there responsibility to make sure their "residents" are happy where they are. No mother would [i]force[/i] her children to stay at the house, so what's the different here? So what do you think, [i]Synths robots or people[/i]?